Al OlivaLike most Directors, Al transitioned from a player and manager (strong southern Arizona teams such as Nova Financial). To raise money for his team, he started running tournaments and found he had a definite aptitude for it. He came on board with USSSA in the mid 1980’s and provided almost twenty years of exemplary service. He particularly excelled as the Hispanic Program Director where he led the most successful program in the county in terms of team registrations and hosting of tournaments including multiple record-breaking World events.

Danny LopezTransitioned from a great infielder to a nationally renowned pitcher. He was an important cog in standout Arizona teams such as YMR/RMS and then advanced on to more of a national stage. A Conference USSSA veteran, he helped Sonny’s get established as a west coast power. D-Lo is also one of a limited group of players who can lay claim to multiple World Titles in various associations including the pinnacle of winning the USSSA Men’s Major World Title in 2014.

Michelle Jackson

Better known to the softball world as Missile. Described by her long-time manager Jimmy King as “one of the most intense players to come out of Arizona.” Her nickname came from her rocket arm from third base, and missile type line drives off her bat. With skill, strength and an acute knowledge of the game, she was an integral cog in the extremely successful Big Apple women’s team of the late 80’s and more recently a force on the Women’s seniors circuit.

2017

Heidi BoliekIn her prime, Heidi was the most complete player not only in Arizona, but on the west coast. She was the perfect combination of arm strength, power, glove and even speed until injuries took that away. She joined Big Apple in 1987, and quickly became, per her manager, “the best all around player ever to wear a Big Apple uniform.” She won too many MVP awards to list, but the highlight may have been a World Tournament in Salem, OR. Heidi hit seven home runs, including three fence clearing blasts in one game. She was awarded both the MVP and outstanding defensive player for that memorable event. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2014.

Doug StarkMoved to Arizona from Kansas in 1982 where he was introduced to USSSA by Jim Swint. Served Arizona USSSA as State Director, Division VP, Director of Special Projects or in an emeritus status since September of 1986. Was inducted into the USSSA National Hall of Fame in 2014. Two of the highlights of Stark’s nearly thirty year playing career would include pitching for a Kansas team that qualified for the 1982 Men’s A World in Petersburg, VA, and being named the MVP of the 1987 Men’s Class C Arizona USSSA State Tournament. ​

Tara Licuanan SalcedoStarted play in Southern California after concluding a sterling college softball career at UC-Bakersfield. Announced her presence in 2008 by being named the Defensive MVP in the WB World Tournament for Hafta Play. She has blossomed into one of the premier players in the country. Since 2014, she has earned 21 Tournament MVP’s or Defensive MVP’s primarily with Derby Girls.

Chuck Henninger

One of the first players from Arizona to earn an MVP Award while leading his team to a World Championship. Chuck accomplished this relatively early in his career pitching Trim Fit to the Men’s B World Championship in 1988 in Concord, CA. Chuck and his manager brother Jim were the driving force behind a team of over achievers who exemplified team excellence in the Men’s and Hispanic program for over a decade. He is still active today playing both Men’s and Senior softball at a high level.

2016Tony SilasUmpire and Director for USSSA since the 1980’s. Tony was one of only a select few umpires from Arizona considered to work the elite Men’s Major World Series. Most recognizable as an assignor and overseer of the umpire program, Tony also headed the Hispanic Program for many years.

Pat Farmer SampsonJoined Big Apple in 1987 as a young utility player with a strong arm. By the time Big Apple was done, she had established herself at her natural position as a shortstop. Additionally, she was a sound fundamental hitter who delivered exactly what was needed in the clutch and was an integral part of the Big Apple run of excellence.

Carl BlankOne of the truly dominant pitchers in Arizona slow pitch history. From 2006-2010 he was named Tournament MVP at least six times, culminating with the 2010 Men’s C World Tournament. Carl was easily the MVP and the central figure behind RMS taking home the World Title.

2015

John Booker Sr.One of the most feared power hitters from southern Arizona and the southwest for almost a quarter century. A member of the prestigious USSSA Major Players list for many years and an integral cog of standout teams such as SNAFU and Nova Financial. After basically retiring from playing, John served USSSA with distinction as the Arizona Black American Program Director for several years.

Mike Calise Sr.Became a major force on the slow pitch scene after a nine year career in minor league baseball where he hit 33 home runs for AAA Louisville in 1982. Mike and brother Dominic played for Sonny’s out of Connecticut as well as several of the best teams in Arizona including Landsharks and Elite.

Jimmy HenningerThe driving force behind and relentless manager of Trim Fit, a dominant team in Arizona Men’s and Hispanic softball for many years starting in the 1980’s. The high point of their extended run of excellence was capturing the 1988 Men’s B World Tournament in Concord, CA.

Diane McQueenPassed away in May of 2010. Following a stand out career in fast pitch, she joined Big Apple in 1987. Over the next 13 years she helped the team become one of true forces in Women’s softball acquiring countless all tournament and MVP awards along the way. The consummate team player, she often declined AT awards so a teammate could receive additional recognition. After the end of the Big Apple era Diane continued to play for the Saints Senior Softball Team until her passing.

2014

Elby Bushong Jr.Passed away in September of 2017. An integral member of many elite slow pitch teams from all over the country. Won Men’s A World Tournaments in 1980 with Campbell Carpets of Concord, CA and in 1983 with J & R Roofing from Phoenix. Dubbed “Boom-Boom” in honor of his prodigious home runs, he was the first representative from Arizona selected for the USSSA National Hall of Fame, being inducted in the Major Player Category in 1982.

Ron Seaton Founder, organizer and sponsor of RMS Softball. RMS culminated an outstanding run of excellence by winning the 2010 Men’s C World Tournament. Ron was selected as the All Tournament Manager for guiding his team to the title.